- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Simon Pulse; 1 edition (Oct 23 2007)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1416948031
- ISBN-13: 978-1416948032
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 1.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 222 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (92 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #315,690 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Sans obscenities, this first novel by Details writer Nelson could be YA fiction at the very top of the genre. As it follows the highly sympathetic narrator named Andrea through her junior and senior years of high school in Portland, Ore., the novel speaks the language of most of this age group: "And I had been so good in the last week at blocking Todd out of my mind but now it all came rushing back, how great it was to be with him, that great feeling of being free and having great talks and being a million miles away from mean stupid people like Trevor." The brand-name litanies, beloved of older writers trying too hard to capture adolescent language, are thankfully absent. Andrea's candid and surprisingly sweet monologue, uncondescendingly records a world of clothes anxieties, coolness consciousness and her confusing mix of tender, erotic and angry feelings toward alternative rocker, downtown big shot and on-and-off lover Todd Sparrow. While making Andrea neither victim nor victimizer, Nelson captures this young woman's fears and joys in subtle and often uncannily accurate ways as Andrea aches for consistency but still revels in life's indeterminacies. Ultimately, the swear words and awkward sex scenes make the novel a more accurate recording of contemporary adolescence. One of the strengths of the novel is that it falls into an interesting genre purgatory that simultaneously critiques the strictures of current YA fiction while it exposes the unattractive jadedness of much adult fiction.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
A hyperactive debut novel of teen rebellion by a writer who watched too much MTV. When Andrea is a Portland, Oreg., high school sophomore, her friend Cybil calls her from the mall one day, frantic because she has shaved her head and it looks awful. Cybil then forms a rock band and begins to infiltrate the local music scene. At the same time, Andrea first lays eyes on Todd, a rock guru and all-round cute guy. Initially, Andrea is somewhat involved in high school goings-on and dates a popular older jock, but she begins to rebel by going to clubs to see Cybil's band (first named Bed Head, then Thriftstore Apocalypse, and finally Sins of Our Fathers) and buying vintage clothing. Andrea narrates her story (which reads like a diary, although it is not marked as such) breathlessly, and that energy is exhausting as she details all the superficial particulars of her life but fails to comment much on her own emotional state. One of Andrea's happiest moments comes when Cybil steers her and a friend to a clothing store called HOP!, ``the coolest place.'' Occasionally there are astute na‹ve-narrator insights (``the whole fun of high school is that everything is supposed to be everybody's business''), but more often than not, Andrea's teenspeak sounds like a bad Valley Girl parody (``And she tried to be cool but we were both like, Derek and Jonathan are gay!''). Nelson (who has written for Details magazine) does manage to cover early sexual experiences (both voluntary and involuntary) in a natural way, but Andrea's all-consuming crush on Todd is a drag on forward momentum, and Cybil--supposedly the narrator's closest friend--remains a cipher for much of the story. This may appeal more to the young- adult market, but those readers are sure to be extremely sensitive to any slips in authenticity. Like, not so great. (First serial to Sassy) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
10 years and still going strong,
By
This review is from: Girl: A Novel (Paperback)
I first read this book 10 years ago, when I was 15 years old. I just finished it again for the 21st time. Yes that is right, I have read Girl, by Blake Nelson 2 times a year for 10 years. When I started reading this book I instantly felt like someone finally understood me. I was young, dating an older musician and going to night clubs instead of school dances. Yet at the same time there was a part of me that wanted to be like everyone else, studying, joining school clubs, getting ready for college. Andrea Marr completely encapsulates the most common teenage fears and desires. The desire to find love, to be different yet accepted. To find freedom from both your parents and school. The desire to figure out WHO you are, by constantly changing. When you read Girl you will find that it is not like reading a book, it is like you are reading 3 years worth of a teenagers diary. Boyfriends, break ups, friendships fading and changing. Surprizingly honest and heartfelt. By the end you will feel like Andrea Marr is your best friend. I am amazed at how well Blake Nelson takes on the voice of a 16 year old teenage girl. I only wish he had written a sequel, because I would love to know what Andrea is up to now.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book & good movie,
By
This review is from: Girl: A Novel (Paperback)
I had just broken up w/ my boyfriend, so I had plenty of time to watch every movie in the local movie rental store. I came across "Girl" and love Sean Patrick Flannery, so I watched it.It reminded me so much of myself that I cried at the end. A friend told me if I liked that so much, I would really love the book. I found a copy and read the whole thing and couldn't put it down. It goes into more detail than the movie. It was really good. I would definately recommend it!
5.0 out of 5 stars
a true classic,
By Trish Carlson (Freemont, CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Girl: A Novel (Paperback)
this is one of my favorite books of all time. it rocks! recommended for all girls and people who love music.
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